Steering device for boats

ABSTRACT

A stick-type steering mechanism for outboard motorboats wherein the steering stick is mounted on the side of the boat in a convenient position for the operation of the craft and may be pivoted about one end for effecting steering of the boat. At least two positions of connection between the stick and the motor or rubber are provided for achieving a variable mechanical ratio for steering of the boat whereby rapid steering response is possible during slow speeds of the boat, and lesser force and slower steering is possible during periods of fast travel or high speeds. In addition, the upper portion of the stick may be removed when not in use to provide less obstruction with the normal utilization of the boat.

United States Patent Fowlkes et al.

[54] STEERING DEVICE FOR BOATS [72] Inventors: George V. Fowlkes; Glenn E. Collins; Darrell W. McCormack, all of Tulsa, Okla.

[73] Assignee: Fo-Mac Enterprises, Inc., Tulsa, Okla.

[22] Filed: July 7, 1969 [2]] App]. No.: 839,164

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 868,719 10/1907 Stephens ..74/527 983,715 2/1911 Higgins et a1. 2,543,553 2/1951 McAllister ..74/480 Beamer ..1 14/153 Ambrosh ..l 14/ l 53 Primary Examiner-Andrew H. Farrell Attorney-William S. Donnan [57] ABSTRACT A stick-type steering mechanism for outboard motorboats wherein the steering stick is mounted on the side of the boat in a convenient position for the operation of the craft and may be pivoted about one end for effecting steering of the boat. At least two positions of connection between the stick and the motor or rubber are provided for achieving a variable mechanical ratio for steering of the boat whereby rapid steering response is possible during slow speeds of the boat, and lesser force and slower steering is possible during periods of fast travel or high speeds. in addition, the upper portion of the stick may be removed when not in use to provide less obstruction with the normal utilization of the boat.

7 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEUFEB 15 1912 3. 641 .962

sum 1 or 2 GEORGE v. FOWLKES GLENN E. COLLINS DARRELL w. Mc CORMACK INVENTORS MMZLMZAQW ATTORNEY 54 z Q 'E I r 20 FIG. 6

- GEORGE V. FOWLKES GLENN E. COLLINS FIG 5 4 DARRELL WMcCORMACK INVENTORS WMJMM ATTORNEY STEERING DEVICE FOR BOATS This invention relates to improvements in steering devices and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a sticktype steering mechanism for outboard motorboats.

Many outboard motor boats today are provided with a substantially conventional steering wheel for effecting steering of the boat during movement thereof through the water. Whereas these steering wheels are convenient in operation, there are certain disadvantages in that the wheel occupies more space than usual fisherman using such a boat would prefer.

The present invention contemplates a novel steering device for outboard motor boats particularly designed and constructed for overcoming the above disadvantages. The steering device is of the stick-type pivotally mounted adjacent one side of the boat in a conventional and out-of-the-way position with the pivot connection in the proximity of the bottom of the boat. A Bowden-type cable is connected between the pivotal stick and the motor whereby pivoting of the stick is transmitted to the motor for steering of the boat. The cable is connected with the stick in a manner providing a variable ratio of movement between the stick and motor for facilitating steering of the boat in variable operating conditions therefor. In addition, the upper portion of the steering stick may be removed when not in use to provide a still lessened degree of obstruction for the user of the boat.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel steering mechanism for outboard motorboats which is mounted on the boat in an out-of-the-way position for reducing obstruction or interference for the operator of the boat.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel steering device of the stick type for outboard motorboats which is pivotally mounted adjacent one side of the boat for facilitating steering of the boat.

Another object of this invention is to provide a stick-type steering mechanism for outboard motors wherein the ratio of movement between the stick and the motor for steering of the boat may be varied.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel stick-type steering device for outboard motorboats wherein the upper portion of the stick may be removed when not in use thus reducing interference of the steering mechanism with the operator of the boat.

Other and further object and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outboard motorboat having a stick-type steering mechanism embodying the invention secured thereto, with the boat depicted in dotted lines for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a stick-type steering device embodying the invention and showing the cable connection in one position thereof.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the cable connection in a second position thereon.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation view of a steering mechanism embodying the invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front elevational view of a steering mechanism embodying the invention with portions thereof depicted in section for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the upper portion of a steering stick embodying the invention.

FIG. 7 is a broken sectional view of a boat gunnel and a portion of the steering device.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generally indicates a boat of any suitable type adapted for receiving and supporting a suitable outboard motor (not shown) having the usual rudder l2 movable or maneuverable therewith for steering the boat 10 while travelling through the water, as is well known, A steering mechanism generally indicated at 14 is secured to the boat 10 adjacent one side such as the side 16 thereof in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth, and is connected with the motor by a suitable cable 18 whereby movement or maneuvering of the rudder 12 may be effected.

The steering mechanism comprises a sleeve or cylindrical stick member 20 having a rod member 22 extending within and removably secured to the upper end 24 thereof by a suitable screw 25, or the like. The rod 22 may be provided with the usual end grip member 26 on the outer or exposed end thereof as is well known for facilitating operation of the steering mechanism 14 as will be hereinafter set forth. The sleeve 20 is pivotally secured at 28 between a pair of upstanding spaced flanges 30 integral with or secured to a mounting block 32 which in turn is secured to the bottom 34 of the boat 10 in any well-known manner (not shown). Of course, it is preferably to mount the block 32 adjacent the side 16 of the boat 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

A collar 34 is slidably secured on the sleeve 20 for reciprocal movement with respect thereto. The collar 34 may be selectively or longitudinally positioned on the sleeve 20 and removably retained in the preselected position in any suitable or well-known manner. For example, as shown herein, a latch member 36 is pivotally secured at 38 to the collar 34. A stud or pin member 40 is pivotally secured at 42 to one end 44 of the latch 36 and extends slidably through a bore 46 provided in the sidewall of the collar 34. A suitable spring member 48 is disposed within a bore 50 provided in the collar 34 and spaced from the bore 50 whereby the spring 48 urges the opposite end 52 of the latch or lever 36 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 5, thus urging the pin 40 into the bore 46. Manual pressure on the end 52 against the force of the spring 48 causes the latch 36 to rotate in an opposite direction to release the pin 40 from engagement with the bore 46. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures such as the apertures 54 and 56 are provided in the sleeve 20 for selectively receiving the pin 40 therein to retain the collar 34 in the preselected position with respect to the sleeve 20 as will be hereinafter set forth.

The cable 18 is connected between the collar 34 and the motor (not shown) in a manner effecting steering of the boat 10. The cable 18 is preferably of the Bowden type comprising a stiff but flexible outer cylindrical member or sheath 58 and an inner rigid or stiff but flexible core member 60 extending longitudinally therethrough. One end of the core member 60 is suitably secured to a yoke member 61 which is pivotally connected at 62 to the collar 34 in any suitable manner and the opposite end of the core 60 is suitably connected with the motor (not shown) whereby longitudinal movement of the cable 18 causes steering rotation of the motor for steering maneuvering of the rudder 12 as is well known.

The boat 10 may be provided with inwardly directed gunnel members 64 on the opposite sides thereof. In this event, an elongated aperture or opening 66 may be provided in the upper surface of the gunnel for receiving a bearing plate 68 therein. The bearing plate is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 70 for receiving a bearing sleeve 72 constructed of a suitable bearing material, such as Teflon, or the like. The bearing sleeve 72 is provided with a slot 73 of a width complementary to the diameter of the sleeve 20 of the upper rod member 22 for receiving either the upper end 24 of the sleeve 20 or the rod member 22 therethrough. The bearing slot 73 functions for guiding the movement of the sleeve 20 or rod 22 during pivotal movement of the sleeve 20, as will be hereinafter set forth, and pennits the apparatus 14 to be mounted or installed in close proximity to the side 16. The bearing sleeve 73 may be eliminated and a bearing sleeve (not shown) of a similar material may be provided around the sleeve 20 and disposed in the slot 70 for guiding the movement of the sleeve 20, if desired.

When the boat 10 is travelling through the water, and it is desired to manipulate the rudder 12 for steering of the boat, the handgrip member 26 may be manually grasped and the stick or sleeve 20 and rod 11 may be provided about the pivot point 28 in the one direction for transmitting longitudinal movement to the cable 18 in a direction toward the rudder 12. The longitudinal movement of the cable 18 causes the motor (not shown) to be moved in the usual or well-known manner for transmitting rotation to the rudder 12 in one direction for efiecting a steering of the boat in one direction. Of course, pivoting of the sleeve and rod 22 in an opposite direction transmits rotation to the rudder 12 in an opposite direction for turning the rudder 12 in an opposite direction thus steering the boat 10 inan opposite direction.

For example, the handgrip member 26 may be manually grasped and moved in a right-hand direction as viewed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, whereby the sleeve 20 and rod 22 are pivoted about the pivot axis 28 in a clockwise direction. This pushes the cable 18 in a right-hand direction for transmitting steering movement to the motor (not shown). Alternately, the gripping member 26 may be moved in a left-hand direction for pivoting the sleeve 20 and rod 22 about the pivot axis 28 in a counterclockwise direction whereby the cable 18 is pulled for transmitting an opposite steering movement to the motor.

When the boat It] is travelling through the water at relatively low or slow rates of speed, such as when trolling, or travelling through areas having obstacles in the water, it is desirable to provide a quick action or quick steering response for maneuvering of the boat to avoid an obstacle, or the like. Accordingly, the block 34 may be moved longitudinally along the sleeve 20 to a position in the proximity of the upper end 24 thereof as shown in FIG. 2. The end 52 of the lever 36 may be manually depressed or moved against the action of the spring 48 for moving the pin 40 outwardly with respect the bore 48. This assures a disengagement of the pin 40 with the outer periphery of the sleeve 20 whereby the housing or block 34 may be easily moved therealong. When the block 34 is in the proximity of the aperture 54, the end 52 of the lever 36 may be released whereby the spring 48 will urge the pin 40 into engagement with the outer periphery of the sleeve 20, and when the pin 40 is in substantial alignment with the aperture 54, the pin will move into the aperture for releasably securing the block 34 in the upper most position therefor. This position for the block 34 will provide a substantially l to l ration between the stick assembly 14 and the motor whereby the steering of the boat may be accomplished readily and with a quick response from the rudder 12.

When the boat 10 is travelling through the water at a relatively high or fast speed, such as when docking, or the like, it is desirable to provide an easier steering without such a rapid steering response from the rudder 12, In this instance, the pin 40 may be released from the engagement with the aperture 54 by depressing the end 52 of the lever 36, and the block 34 may be moved downwardly along the sleeve 20 until the block is in substantial alignment with the aperture 56. The end 52 may then be released whereby the spring 48 will urge the pin 40 into engagement with the aperture 56 for releasably retaining the block in the lowermost position therefore as shown in FIG. 3. This provides substantially a 4 to l ration between the stick assembly 14 and the motor whereby the steering response of the rudder 12 is greatly reduced in time and the manual actuation of the sleeve 20 and rod 22 is much easier. Of course, substantially any number of apertures may be provided on the sleeve 20 for receiving the pin 40 and there is no intention of limiting the positions of the block 34 with respect to the sleeve 20 to the upper and lower positions shown herein, In addition, the sleeve 20 may be a solid rod member as shown in FIG. 6 having a longitudinally extending bore 64 provided in the upper end 24 thereof for receiving the rod 22 therein. Of course, the apertures 54 and 56 could be in the form of indentations or recesses in the outer periphery of the solid sleeve 20, if desired.

When the boat 10 is idle 'in the water, or when there is no need for steering of the craft, the rod portion 22 may be removed from the sleeve 20 and stored in a convenient place (not shown) on the boat. The screw is preferably a setscrew and retains the rod 22 within the sleeve 20 pressure against the outer periphery thereof, as is well known. The screw 25 may be removed or backed off to release the rod 22 and permit ready removal thereof. Conversely, when it is desired to resume the steering of the boat 10, the rod 22 may be reinserted into the upper end 24 of the sleeve 20. and the screw 25 may be replaced and moved into engagement with the outer periphery of the rod 22 for securing the rod in the sleeve.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel stick-type steering apparatus for outboard motor boats wherein a minimum of interference therefrom is encountered during use of the boat. The steering stick or lever is installed in the proximity of the side of the boat, and is pivotally mounted near the bottom of the boat in an out-of-the-way position. A cable is secured between the pivotal steering stick'and the motor for effecting steering of the boat. The connection of the cable with the steering stick may be varied to provide variable steering responses for the motor in accordance with the desired operating conditions for the steering mechanism. In addition, the upper portion of the steering stick may be removed for further decreasing interference of the steering mechanism with normal use of the boat during periods when the steering feature is not required. The novel steering device is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats and comprising a manually operable steering lever having one end thereof pivotally secured to the boat, cable means extending between the steering lever and motor, and means adjustably securing one end of the cable means to the steering lever to provide variable steering ratios between the steering lever and the motor, said adjustable securing means comprising a connector block slidably disposed on the steering lever, latch means carried by the connecting block and selectively engageable with the steering lever for releasably retaining the block in variable longitudinally spaced positions thereon, and wherein one relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially l to l steering ratio between the steering lever and the motor, and a second relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially 4 to l steering ratio between the steering lever and the motor.

2. A steering apparatus for outboard motor boats as set forth in claim 1 wherein the steering lever is pivotally secured adjacent one side of the boat.

3. A steering apparatus for outboard motors as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cable means comprises a relatively stiff but flexible outer sheath and a relatively stiff but flexible inner core, said inner core member extending longitudinally beyond at least one end of the sheath, said one end of the core being adjustably secured to the steering lever.

4. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats as set forth in claim 1 including bearing plate means secured in the proximity of one side of the boat for receiving the steering lever therethrough, said bearing plate means comprising a plate member having an elongated slot therein, and bearing means interposed between the slot and stick for guiding the pivotal movement of the steering lever during steering of the boat.

5. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats as set forth in claim 1 wherein the latch means comprises a hand lever pivotally secured to the connecting block, a pin member pivotally secured in the proximity of one end of the hand lever and slidably disposed in the bore provided in the connecting block, spring means provided on the connecting block and engageable with the hand lever oppositely disposed from the pin with respect to the pivot connection of the hand lever for constantly urging the hand lever in a direction whereby the pin member is engaged with the other periphery of the steering lever, and said steering lever being provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced detents for receiving the pin to provide said variable positions between the connecting block and the steering lever.

6. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats as set forth in claim wherein the steering lever comprises a first stick member having one end thereof pivotally secured in the proximity of the bottom of the boat, and a second stick member removably secured to the opposite end of the first stick member whereby the second stick member may be removed from the steering lever during periods of nonuse, said connecting block being disposed on the first stick member whereby steering may be accomplished when the second stick is removed therefrom.

7. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats and comprising a manually operable steering lever pivotally secured to one side of the boat in the proximity of the bottom thereof, cable means extending between the steering lever and motor and comprising a relatively stiff but flexible outer sheath and a relatively stiff but flexible inner core, said inner core member extending longitudinally beyond at least one end of the sheath, means adjustable securing said one end of the core to the steering lever to provide variable steering ratios between the steering lever and the motor, said adjustable securing means comprising a connector block slidably disposed on the steering lever, latch means carried by the connecting block and selectively engageable with the steering lever for releasably retaining the block in variable longitudinally spaced positions, thereon, and wherein one relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially 1 to 1 ratio between the steering lever and the motor, and a second relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially 4 to 1 ratio between the steering lever and the motor, said steering lever comprising a first stick member having one end thereof pivotally secured in the proximity of the bottom of the boat and a second stick member removably secured to the opposite end of the first stick member whereby the second stick member may be removed from the steering lever during period of nonuse, said connecting block being disposed on the first stick member whereby steering may be accomplished when the second stick is removed therefrom, and bearing plate means secured in the proximity of one side of the boat for receiving the steering lever therethrough, said bearing plate comprising a plate member having an elongated slot therein and bearing means interposed between the slot and stick for guiding the pivotal movement of the steering lever during steering of the boat.

10 I023 mm 

1. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats and comprising a manually operable steering lever having one end thereof pivotally secured to the boat, cable means extending between the steering lever and motor, and means adjustably securing one end of the cable means to the steering lever to provide variable steering ratios between the steering lever and the motor, said adjustable securing means comprising a connector block slidably disposed on the steering lever, latch means carried by the connecting block and selectively engageable with the steering lever for releasably retaining the block in variable longitudinally spaced positions thereon, and wherein one relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially 1 to 1 steering ratio between the steering lever and the motor, and a second relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially 4 to 1 steering ratio between the steering lever and the motor.
 2. A steering apparatus for outboard motor boats as set forth in claim 1 wherein the steering lever is pivotally secured adjacent one side of the boat.
 3. A steering apparatus for outboard motors as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cable means comprises a relatively stiff but flexible outer sheath and a relatively stiff but flexible inner core, said inner core member extending longitudinally beyond at least one end of the sheath, said one end of the core being adjustably secured to the steering lever.
 4. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats as set forth in claim 1 including bearing plate means secured in the proximity of one side of the boat for receiving the steering lever therethrough, said bearing plate means comprising a plate member having an elongated slot therein, and bearing means interposed between the slot and stick for guiding the pivotal movement of the steering lever during steering of the boat.
 5. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats as set forth in claim 1 wherein the latch means comprises a hand lever pivotally secured to the connecting block, a pin member pivotally secured in the proximity of one end of the hand lever and slidably disposed in the bore provided in the connecting block, spring means provided on the connecting block and engageable with the hand lever oppositely disposed from the pin with respect to the pivot connection of the hand lever for constantly urging the hand lever in a direction whereby the pin member is engaged with the other periphery of the steering lever, and said steering lever being provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced detents for receiving the pin to provide said variable positions between the connecting block and the steering lever.
 6. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats as set forth in claim 10 wherein the steering lever comprises a first stick member having one end thereof pivotally secured in the proximity of the bottom of the boat, and a second stick member removably secured to the opposite end of the first stick member whereby the second stick member may be removed from the steering lever during periods of nonuse, said connecting block being disposed on the first stick member whereby steering may be accomplished when the second stick is removed therefrom.
 7. A steering apparatus for outboard motorboats and comprising a manually operable steering lever pivotally secured to one side of the boat in the proximity of the bottom thereof, cable means extending between the steering lever and motor and comprising a relatively stiff but flexible outer sheath and a relatively stiff but flexible inner core, said inner core member extending longitudinally beyond at least one end of the sheath, means adjustable securing said one end of the core to the steering lever to provide variable steering ratios between the steering lever and the motor, said adjustable securing means comprising a connector block slidably disposed on the steering lever, latch means carried by the connecting block and selectively engageable with the steering lever for releasably retaining the block in variable longitudinally spaced positions, thereon, and wherein one relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially 1 to 1 ratio between the steering lever and the motor, and a second relative position between the connecting block and steering lever provides a substantially 4 to 1 ratio between the steering lever and the motor, said steering lever comprising a first stick member having one end thereof pivotally secured in the proximity of the bottom of the boat and a second stick member removably secured to the opposite end of the first stick member whereby the second stick member may be removed from the steering lever during period of nonuse, said connecting block being disposed on the first stick member whereby steering may be accomplished when the second stick is removed therefrom, and bearing plate means secured in the proximity of one side of the boat for receiving the steering lever therethrough, said bearing plate comprising a plate member having an elongated slot therein and bearing means interposed between the slot and stick for guiding the pivotal movement of the steering lever during steering of the boat. 